The company said that Si10xx wireless MCUs combine a 25MHz 8051 core, EZRadioPRO sub-GHz RF transceiver, up to 64kB of flash and up to 12 bit ADC, all in a 5 mm x 7 mm package. The wireless MCUs offer the low active-mode current consumption (160 microamps per MHz).
In sleep mode, they consume 615 nanoamps with an active 32.768kHz real-time clock (RTC) and down to 315 nanoamps with an active RTC and a low frequency oscillator (LFO). In deep-sleep mode, they can operate on 25 nA with full RAM retention.
Silicon Laboratories further claimed that its Si10xx family’s ultra-low-power architecture and fast wake-up time (2 microseconds) extends battery life in both lithium and alkaline battery applications. The Si10xx architecture also features a dc-dc boost converter designed to supply large loads with high efficiency.
The dc-dc converter supplies power needed for periods of RF transmission and reception with efficiencies of up to 90%. As a result, developers can design embedded wireless systems capable of 25% longer battery life over alternative systems with no degradation in MCU or radio performance; in some system configurations, a Si10xx device can extend battery life by as much as 50%, the company claimed.
The Si10xx family’s integrated power amplifier (PA) and low-noise amplifier enable a RF link budget of greater than 140dB without requiring active external elements. This results in extended range, higher bandwidth and lower overall power consumption, the company added.
Mark Thompson, vice president and general manager of embedded mixed signal products at Silicon Labs, said: ”The Si10xx family is a battery’s best friend, offering best-in-class energy efficiency that makes it easier to design battery-powered products for the smart home and smart meter markets.
“By incorporating the EZRadioPRO transceiver, the Si10xx wireless MCUs deliver exceptional RF performance with high output power and superior sensitivity.”
